This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
On a daily basis, Raph Wangutusi, a 19-year-old journalism student, lives with the reality of an untreatable disease that worsens over time. Born with sickle cell anaemia, Wangutusi's life has been a constant battle with pain and hospitalisation.
Wangutusi's journey began when he was just one year old, experiencing joint pains while living with relatives in Bungoma. His mother, who worked in Nairobi, couldn't afford to raise him in the city. At the age of five, Wangutusi was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where tests revealed that he was suffering from sickle cell anaemia.
Despite the challenges, Wangutusi has always pushed himself to excel academically. He has been hospitalised several times, including a month-long stay in 2015, and has experienced excruciating pain flashes in his head. However, he remains determined to live life to the fullest.
Wangutusi's greatest fear is dying in excruciating pain and not leaving children behind. He also fears not accomplishing everything he has always wanted to achieve through telling impactful stories. To cope with his condition, Wangutusi takes medication twice a day, painkillers when needed, and lots of fluids to stay hydrated.
Every day, Wangutusi posts a video on his YouTube channel, sharing his story and inspiring others to live life to the fullest. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of living life with purpose.
